Visit the Cinque Terre region like a Local
Cinque Terre are probably one of the most famous spot in Italy, but the 90% of tourists only visit the Cinque Terre which are less of 1% of this amazing region. Which to me is CRAZY, because outside the Cinque Terre… there is a region offering authentic fishing villages and breathtaking and peaceful coastlines…
In this blog post, I will show you the other Cinque Terre, the ones that are known by the locals and only a few tourists. Why? Because, my mission is to make you discover Italy like a local and to fight the overtourism we have in some areas of Italy.
Catch you outside,
Elena
- Where: Liguria
- 2 Days Roadtrip
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Who is this trip for?
This is for anyone who loves to step out of the most touristic places and start exploring and traveling Italy like a local.
If this sounds like you, then keep reading!
Tellaro
Tellaro, named one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, is renowned for its winding streets overlooking the sea, pastel-coloured and stone houses perched on cliffs, a charming small port, and an enchanting view that stretches from the nearby bays of Lerici, Fiascherino, and Maralunga to Portovenere and the islands of Palmaria and Tino.
Located just a short distance from Lerici, the village of Tellaro and the nearby Fiascherino, surrounded by green hills and overlooking the sea, offer a relaxing and delightful retreat. Their panoramic position and peaceful, quintessentially Ligurian atmosphere make them perfect for an escape. Life here remains closely tied to the sea and fishing, which have long been the village’s main economic activities.
In Tellaro and Fiascherino, you’ll find an authentic and tranquil ambiance. Stroll along the narrow streets with breathtaking sea views or among the olive groves of the surrounding hills. Savor the flavors of Ligurian cuisine at local restaurants, or simply unwind on the beach, soaking in the timeless charm of these coastal gems.
Are you visiting Cinque Terre?
I have prepared the Liguria guide for you!
Lerici
Located in the southeastern area of the province of La Spezia, the municipality of Lerici develops, surrounded by hills and inserted in one of the most beautiful inlets of the entire Riviera. Lerici, whose territory partly falls within the Montemarcello–Vara regional park, is defined as “The Pearl of the Gulf of Poets.”. From the beginning of the 19th century, Lerici began to host various poets and writers: the English Percy B. Shelley with his wife Mary, George G. Byron, Sem Benelli, Mario Soldati, and others. In those years the Gulf of Lerici became a centre of art and was given the name “Gulf of Poets”.
Among the most important monuments of Lerici, the San Giorgio castle is certainly the most important.
The castle dominates the town from the top of a rocky promontory and is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Liguria. Built by the Pisans in the first half of the 13th century, its external walls remain almost intact and the small thirteenth-century Gothic style chapel is also in good condition.
The part in which the castle is located corresponds to the ancient one, which also includes the tourist port, which has a capacity of approximately 2000 berths; here the original medieval configuration of the village is characterized by the characteristic houses that line up along the winding “carruggi”(alleys).
Portovenere
Monesteroli
Monesteroli is a small “almost” uninhabited village, overlooking the sea, where once a group of farmers lived who produced wine.
Today only 2 families live there; a local lady who we met as we were going down the stairs revealed this to us. while the other houses, some are completely abandoned, and others are rented out for holidays.
The Scalinata di Monesteroli, is part of the Cinque Terre National Park, but no one ever goes there.
You can get there either by boat, or via a path and the Monesteroli Staircase, plus 1100 steps (one way) all in stone, without railings, on a steep descent that takes you down to the sea.
Are you visiting the whole Sicily region?
I have prepared the Liguria guide for you!
Camogli
Nestled along the Golfo Paradiso is one of the most romantic villages on the Eastern Riviera: it is the enchanting Camogli, a row of colourful houses close to the sea. The history and identity of this pretty town is linked to the sea, proudly linked to its maritime traditions. A stone’s throw from Portofino, the chic location par excellence in Liguria which rises on the other side of the mountain that borders the Golfo Paradiso, Camogli is glossy but not at all snobbish. Also perfect as a destination for a day trip from Genoa, Rapallo, Portofino. It is a perfect destination even when summer has ended or has not yet begun and the beach establishments have long since put away their umbrellas waiting for the next season. This is because it enjoys the typical coastal climate of Liguria, with mild temperatures even in winter, and offers numerous opportunities for walking and trekking in the Portofino mountain and in the surrounding towns.
Are you visiting the Cinque Terre?
I have prepared the Liguria guide for you!
This trip discovering the other Cinque Terre was unforgettable. If you have the chance to go there in autumn or spring, you won’t regret it, I promise. It combines breathtaking landscapes with autumn colours and no tourists.
👇🏻Feel free to book a “Discover Italy like a Local” with me 👇🏻
Catch You Outside,
Elena
IMPORTANT: Pay close attention to the data contained in this description.
They may be incomplete or outdated. The paths may change over time due to bad weather, fires or simply the change of seasons. Check in the comments if anyone has made any reports or recommended any changes.
Do you still have a question?
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